Mercury has been in Virgo since July 28, urging us to think logically, critically, analytically and to use our words, minds and hands to be helpful.

On August 2 or 3rd (depending on your time zone), the trickster planet turns retrograde. While we’ve come to expect glitches in communication, travel and technology while Mercury is retrograde, there’s no need be fearful. The world won’t stop, just remember that the devil is in the detail, so check, double check and re-check all arrangements now. It’s also a good time to review and reorganize old information. For example, I am planning to create an easy to use database of all my blog posts and articles, a perfect activity for a backward facing Mercury in Virgo.

On August 7/8 Mercury rolls back into Leo. Expect the themes and dramas of July to revisit us - dramatic communication, creative flair. At worst, stubbornness or childish tantrums. At best, humor, warmth, affection and heart.

And boy was July dramatic. In my preview of July's astrology, published on July 1, I predicted "stories about attention seeking big heads, dramatic announcements and heroic tales of courage while Mercury is in Leo. Kings, Queens and leaders could all be in the spotlight now". So what happened? Well, it was on July 4 that the News of the World phone hacking scandal finally blew up, after the revelation that the phone of murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler had been hacked. A number of high profile leaders resigned their posts and the paper was shut down. With Mercury retrograde, expect new evidence and more raking over old ground in this story. Where were the heroes? MP Tom Watson, who played a key role in bringing the scandal out into the open was one, along with the Guardian newspaper's reporting throughout. Attention seeking behavior included wannabe comic Jonnie Marbles throwing a foam pie at Rupert Murdoch at the parliamentary committee hearing. Also the horrific killing spree of Norwegian fascist Anders Behring Breivik. These men believed that they were doing something heroic, although any decent minded person would disagree with that analysis, especially in the case of Breivik. Finally, one of the key images of the scandal was the voluminous flame hair of Rebekah Brooks. Very Leo!

Mercury will turn Retrograde in Virgo on August 2/3. It re-enters Leo on August 7/8. It turns direct on August 26 and re-enters Virgo on September 8/9 where it stays until September 25.

August 3: Mars enters Cancer

Protection and security are primary concerns of Mars in Cancer, so actions tend to be influenced by those issues when Mars is in the sign of the crab. Cancer is also very intuitive, so having Mars here sees more of us acting on our hunches. The danger is that Mars in Cancer encourages hypersensitivity and over reaction. Take a deep breath before going on the defensive now. The sensitive side of Mars in Cancer is bound to come out when, on August 3, it trines Neptune in Pisces. Acting with compassion and empathy is well starred.

Cancer might be an emotional watery sign, but it is also a dynamic cardinal sign. Its get up and go energy can be unstoppable when activated. I would certainly want someone with Mars in Cancer to protect me if I was in trouble!

Moving into a cardinal sign means that Mars will be very active during August, forming dynamic aspects with Uranus and Pluto on August 9/10 and Saturn on August 25. Be prepared for challenges to present themselves on or around those dates and don’t be shocked if around the 9–10th there’s rebellious feeling in the air. To make the most out of that energy, try to use it with creativity, positivity and compassion.

Mars is in Cancer until September 19.

August 4: Retrograde Neptune revisits Aquarius

Neptune tipped his trident into watery Pisces on April 4, after 14 years in airy Aquarius. Neptune in Pisces invites us – individually and collectively – to explore things like compassion, empathy, philanthropy, suffering, idealism, spirituality and sacrifice. Before settling into Pisces though, he takes one final flight back into Aquarius. The next few months are a time to contemplate those Neptune in Pisces themes and think about how you can spread the word and make them work for the good of all humanity (Aquarius).

Neptune retrogrades back into Aquarius on August 5, re-entering Pisces on February 3, 2012, after which it will stay in Pisces until 2026.

August 13: Aquarius Full Moon

I love Full Moon times there is so much energy in the air. Sometimes it’s good, fun energy and sometimes the energy is a little crazy as things come to a head and pop. What’s best about a Full Moon I think, apart from the fact that it’s a beautiful astronomical event, is that it highlights the common issues of the two opposing signs the Sun and Moon fall in.

Now we are drawn to pay homage to the Leo-Aquarius axis (or continuum, as astrology Joyce Mason so aptly expresses it). Together, Leo and Aquarius symbolize the urge to balance the individual need for personal gain and acclaim with the collective responsibility to abide by rules set to benefit all of society (and if you think rules are not very Aquarian, pause to remember that Aquarius’ ancient ruler is none other than stern father Saturn).

Aquarius will never deny Leo’s right to be king, but will absolutely insist that the king serves his people with integrity and honesty. Teamwork and delegation of authority is everything to Aquarius and selfish greed is just not acceptable. Aquarius teaches that it is through serving the group, the community, the team, our friends, that we gain the honor and significance that is so crucial to Leo.

Conversely, Leo teaches Aquarius that sometimes you have to take the lead if the cause is important enough. Somebody has to stand up for the masses, rebel against the status quo and shake the system up, if there is to be any chance of a lasting change for the better and what better than Aquarian energy to do this!

On a personal level, look for help from the groups you belong to (your community, your team, your friendship circle etc) during this Full Moon for clues about what might need to be addressed or released in your life right now, then seize your power, remembering to act in a way that will benefit your community, whilst still honoring your own unique, highly individual needs.

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NOTE: *Where two dates are given, the event occurs on the earlier date in American time zones and on the later date in European time zones. This is due only to time differences on the clock, in reality the event occurs simultaneously everywhere.
With love, Mandihttp://www.mandilockley.com/

About Me

I have been fascinated by astrology all my life and cast my first horoscope back in 1985. Latterly, I studied at The London School of Astrology for over three years and gained the school’s Certificate in 2005.
I am committed to self development - emotionally, spiritually and intellectually - and believe in doing my best to live my life true to myself and my life purpose, in service to others and in harmony with the cycles of the universe. These values are also the focus of my work with clients.
Sun Capricorn, Moon Aquarius, Gemini Rising